PEARCE THE HEART OF JAZZ

PIANISTPMatt Boden will put his own take on the music of late Tasmanian pianist Ian Pearce at the Conservatorium Recital Hall on Saturday night.

Boden, main picture, is researching Pearce’s music as part of his PhD studies.

“I’ll play some of his compositions and the repertoire he used to perform, with my own take on it,” he said. “His work and playing had influences from Jelly Roll Morton, Teddy Wilson, parts of Art Tatum, Fats Waller and all the great American jazz pianists from the stride era through to the swing era.”

Boden’s set will include Maple Leaf Rag, which he said Pearce played more as a Dixieland stride than the original ragtime piece.

“I’ll also play Jelly Roll Morton’s Black Bottom Stomp and Ian’s tune The Little Something, which is reminiscent of Fats Waller’s playing,” he said. “There are echoes of New Orleans brothels right through to rent parties in Harlem.”

Boden said Pearce, pictured inset, was one of the great jazz pianists in Australia.

“He was an inspiration for me when I was coming up,” he said. “We were both in a show at the Theatre Royal, Nine Piano Men

and a Lady. I was the youngest and he was the oldest and he was very encouraging and supportive.

“I love the fact that throughout all the trends and fashions of music he stuck to his guns and played his way.”

Matt Boden’s Jazz Piano: Ian Pearce and Beyond concert is at the Conservatorium Recital Hall in Sandy Bay Rd at 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 concession.